Supercommunicators Author Charles Duhigg: Communicating in a Complicated World June 26

Mark your calendars for an inspiring evening with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author Charles Duhigg, hosted by Leadership Santa Cruz County at the Rio Theatre in Santa Cruz on Thursday, June 26, 2025. This event promises to delve into transformative insights from Duhigg’s acclaimed book Supercommunicators, offering attendees practical tools to enhance their personal and professional lives. This work resonates deeply with those seeking to understand human behavior and foster meaningful connections. “With the right tools, we can connect with anyone,” Duhigg says.

Duhigg is a renowned American journalist and non-fiction author whose work has left an indelible mark on the fields of behavioral science and communication. A graduate of Yale University with a degree in history and Harvard Business School with an MBA, Duhigg’s diverse career path has shaped his perspective. Before becoming a celebrated author, he briefly worked as a bike messenger in San Francisco — an experience he humorously describes as “one terrifying day.” His journalism career includes a stint at the Los Angeles Times and a decade-long tenure at The New York Times (2006–2017), where he led a team that won the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting for a series on Apple’s business practices, titled “The iEconomy.” Currently, Duhigg writes for The New Yorker and hosts the podcast How To! with Charles Duhigg. He resides in Santa Cruz, California, with his wife and two children, and is known locally for his love of surfing.

Duhigg’s ability to blend rigorous research with compelling storytelling has earned him accolades, including the National Journalism Award, the Investigative Reporters and Editors’ Medal, and the National Academies’ reporting award. His work explores complex topics like the 2008 financial crisis and corporate exploitation of the elderly, but it’s his books that have cemented his reputation as a thought leader in understanding human behavior.

Tickets are available as follows:
$19.95 (admission)
$39.95 (with a copy of The Power of Habit)
$49.95 (with a copy of Supercommunicators)
June26Supercommunicators.eventbrite.com
With purchase of book, your book will be available at the Rio Theatre upon entry to the event.

The Power of Habit: Rewiring Our Lives

Published in 2012 by Random House, The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business became an instant classic, spending over three years on The New York Times bestseller list and selling more than 3 million copies worldwide. The book explores the science of habit formation through the lens of the “habit loop,” a neurological pattern consisting of three components: a cue, a routine, and a reward. Duhigg argues that by understanding and manipulating this loop, individuals and organizations can transform their behaviors.

The book is packed with vivid examples, from how Procter & Gamble turned Febreze into a market success by leveraging habit loops to how Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz and Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps used keystone habits — small changes that trigger broader behavioral shifts — to achieve extraordinary results. Duhigg introduces the “Golden Rule of Habit Change,” which suggests that keeping the cue and reward constant while altering the routine can lead to lasting change, provided there’s belief in the process. He cites Alcoholics Anonymous as a prime example, where group support fosters the belief needed for recovery.

Duhigg’s insights extend to organizations, as seen in his case study of Alcoa, where CEO Paul O’Neill increased the company’s market capitalization by $27 billion by focusing on safety as a keystone habit. In 2020, Duhigg partnered with VitalSmarts to create The Power of Habit Training, a course that teaches individuals how to apply these principles to create lasting behavioral change. The Power of Habit remains a go-to resource for anyone looking to exercise regularly, boost productivity, or transform organizational culture.

Supercommunicators: Mastering the Art of Connection

In 2024, Duhigg released Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection, which spent over 30 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list and was named one of NPR’s Best Books of the Year. This book dives into the science of communication, identifying three types of conversations—practical (decision-making), emotional (how we feel), and social (who we are)—and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and matching the conversation type to connect effectively.

Duhigg argues that “supercommunicators” excel by listening closely, asking deep questions, and aligning with others’ emotions and goals. Through stories like a juror uniting a divided jury room, a CIA officer recruiting a reluctant agent, and a surgeon struggling to persuade a patient, Duhigg illustrates how communication is a learnable superpower. The book’s “matching principle” highlights the need to adapt to the conversation’s emotional or practical tone, ensuring all parties feel heard and understood. Practical tips, such as preparing a short list of discussion topics to reduce conversational anxiety, make the book actionable for readers.

Supercommunicators has been praised for its blend of storytelling and science, with Adam Grant calling it “a winning combination of stories, studies, and guidance that might well transform the worst communicators you know into some of the best.” The book is particularly relevant for leaders, offering strategies to navigate team dynamics and foster collaboration.

Event Details and Why You Should Attend

The event with Charles Duhigg will take place at the Rio Theatre, at 1205 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, on Thursday, June 26, 2025. Doors open at 6:00 PM, with the program starting at 7:00 PM. Tickets are available at June26Supercommunicators.eventbrite.com. This evening offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from Duhigg, whose work has transformed how millions approach habits and communication.

Attendees can expect an engaging discussion on how to apply the principles from Supercommunicators to their personal lives, workplaces, and communities. Whether you’re a business leader looking to drive organizational change, a community member aiming to build stronger connections, or simply curious about the science of human behavior, this event will provide actionable insights and inspiration.

Don’t miss this chance to learn from one of the most influential voices in behavioral science and support Leadership Santa Cruz County’s mission to cultivate impactful leaders. Grab your tickets now and join the conversation.

Supercommunicators: Communicating in a Compliacted World
Rio Theatre 1205 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz
Thursday, June 26 from 7 to 9pm. Doors open at 6. Arrive early to find parking.
Tickets: June26Supercommunicators.eventbrite.com

Leadership Santa Cruz County: Building Community Leaders

Leadership Santa Cruz County, the host of this event, is a nonprofit dedicated to developing informed, effective, and action-oriented community leaders. Founded in 1995, the organization runs a year-long program that equips participants with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to address local challenges. Each year, a diverse cohort of 45-50 participants engages in monthly sessions covering topics like local government, education, healthcare, and economic development..

The program emphasizes experiential learning, connecting participants with local leaders and organizations to foster collaboration and innovation. Past projects have included initiatives to support a day laborer center, affordable housing, environmental sustainability, and streamlining a path to involvement in city and county commissions. Leadership Santa Cruz County also hosts events like this one with Charles Duhigg to inspire and educate the broader community, aligning with its mission to create a stronger, more connected Santa Cruz. By bringing in thought leaders like Duhigg, the organization amplifies its impact, encouraging attendees to apply insights on habits and communication to their leadership journeys.

Learn more: leadershipsantacruzcounty.org